NeonPunch (via Twitch) is reporting that Andy Lau is in negotiations to play an old friend of Tony Stark in Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3.

The site says the friend “represents China’s technology sector – and will use China’s armored heroes to HELP Iron Man defeat “The Mandarin” who is seen as a terrorist against both the US and China.”

He would be joining a cast that includes Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Don Cheadle, Ben Kingsley and Guy Pearce. Shane Black will direct the third installment, scheduled to be released on May 3, 2013.

As we previously reported, the film will be co-produced in China. Filming will start in May in the United States and move to China later this summer.